Adaptations to a New Physical Training Program in the Combat Controller Training Pipeline

The USAF combat controller CCT training pipeline is extremely arduous and historically has a high attrition rate of 70-80. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of incorporating an RHPF-developed physical fitness training program into the combat controller CCT 5-level training physical fitness program. Modifications to the program were principally aimed at reducing overtraining and overuse injury, educating trainees and cadre on how to train smarter, and transitioning from traditional to functional PT. Trainees were tested immediately prior to and after eight weeks of training in accordance with the revised guidelines. Nearly all fitness parameters were significantly higher at the end of the eight weeks. In addition, the overall injury rate fell by 67. The combination of higher fitness and fewer injuries effectively doubled the graduation rate from CCT training in the eight classes following the new guidance versus the eight classes immediately prior to these interventions.